Don't ignore it: How to support a friend who is in an abusive relationship
With October being Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Abuse Awareness Month, the泭Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)泭would like to share a few tips on how to support a friend who may be in an abusive relationship.泭
- Listen; your friend may be confused about their relationship.
- Talk with your friend about what you are seeing.泭For example, I am concerned for your safety and You do not deserve to be treated that way.
- Be specific.泭For example, When your partner insults you, I get worried, or I am concerned when I see your partner control when and who you can go out with.
- Offer options, like coming to OVA for support.
- Avoid taking control of the situation and telling your friend what to do.
- Dont ignore it.
It can be hard to see someone you care about in this kind of relationship. Remember to take care of yourself, too. OVA also provides support to friends helping friends.
For more information, visit 91勛圖厙s Office of Victim Assistance, a free and confidential advocacy and counseling center on campus for students, staff and faculty. They are泭located in泭room S440 on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C), open from泭8 a.m. to 5 p.m.泭Monday through Friday.
You can also email assist@colorado.edu or call 303-492-8855 for help, which offers泭after-hours phone counselors.
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